January 16, 2026

Dear Participants in the 17th Annual Winter Forum,

We look forward to seeing you next week in Washington, DC as we celebrate our 48th Anniversary during our 17th Annual Winter Forum!

Together, we will spend three days in fellowship as we reflect on our shared work and community. We come together to share meals, exchange ideas, and learn from one another as we work towards securing the health and long-term viability of rural communities and society, including family farmers and ranchers, farm and food workers, local businesses and working people of all walks of life.

We’ll reflect on our collective work and focus on what rural communities need to stay strong and viable—now and long term.

Dates

January 21–23, 2026

Location

Washington Plaza Hotel

10 Thomas Circle NW

Washington, DC xxxxxx

Can't make it to the Winter Forum this year in person? No problem. Sign up to watch and participate virtually.

We have a power-packed agenda that includes:

• the viewing of Bad River and Tractorcade
• Onsite Technical Assistance Support
• Panels and workshops on Conservation and soil health, Farmworker rights, Risk management and crop insurance, Access to land and farm credit, Local food systems and marketing, Multigenerational storytelling and more!

Sign Up for a Hill Visit – Wednesday, January 21

During the Winter Forum, participants can sign up for one of two Hill visit time slots on Wednesday, January 21.

A Hill visit (sometimes called a Hill Day) is an opportunity to go to Capitol Hill and meet directly with Members of Congress or their staff. These visits allow farmers, advocates, and community leaders to share real experiences, explain how policies affect rural communities, and advocate for priorities that matter on the ground.

What Hill visits involve

• Meeting with congressional offices
• Sharing clear talking points and personal stories
• Discussing how federal policies impact rural communities
• Building long-term relationships with policymakers
• 
  

Participants will be guided through the process by our Policy Team, including preparation and scheduling.

Business attire is recommended, and visits will focus on a few key messages for impact.

• Space is limited. Please select your preferred time slot when signing up.

Contact: [email protected] with questions.

Our new Rural Coalition “Where Love Is at the Table” T-shirts are available for purchase, and can be shipped to you or picked up in person at the Winter Forum.

What color are you going to get?

Sponsorship helps us support our membership of rural community based organizations, farmers, farmworkers, and advocates with travel and lodging to attend the Winter Forum.

We bring in a diverse group from across states, cultures, and generations to celebrate 48 years of shared work and plan the next phase of rural justice.

Your support of the Rural Coalition’s Winter Forum helps shape the success of our alliance. It strengthens land protection efforts, builds community resilience, and amplifies the unified voice of farmers, farmworkers, and rural advocates who may otherwise be unable to attend this historic gathering in Washington, DC.

Please email [email protected] with your event questions.

Rural Coalition / Coalición Rural is a 47-year alliance of more than 60 grassroots member

organizations across the United States, Mexico, and Canada working to protect and sustain land, food, and rural communities. The Coalition includes diverse family farmers, ranchers, farmworkers, tribal communities, and rural advocates.

We bring our combined experience to bear on:

● Advancing policy responsive to the needs in these communities.

● Growing and sustaining community based groups trusted in their communities.

● Working to sustain justice, fairness, and economic dignity in rural communities.

● Providing effective outreach and technical assistance related to USDA programs.

● Elevating the lived experiences and collective voices of rural communities through communications and advocacy.

We remain steadfast in our mission to build a society grounded in

unity, hope, people, and the land.